Systems and methods for electronic communication using unique identifiers associated with electronic addresses

ABSTRACT

A method and system for electronically communicating with a user knowing only a unique identifier associated with that user is described. An electronic message having an address based upon the unique identifier and consistent with an assigned convention is sent from a portable device and received by a server system. The message sent may include attachments such as, for example, pictures, audio and/or video files. The server system includes or is capable of accessing an electronic repository in which a plurality of unique identifiers are respectively associated with a corresponding plurality of profiles. Upon receipt at the server system, the message and any attachments are stored in association with a profile corresponding to the unique identifier. The server system then facilitates access to the message information and any attachments in accordance with the profile.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/338,191, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONUSING UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC ADDRESSES, filedOct. 28, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/018,793, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONICCOMMUNICATION USING UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONICADDRESSES, filed Feb. 8, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/513,129, filed Oct. 13, 2014, entitled SYSTEMSAND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION USING UNIQUE IDENTIFIERSASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC ADDRESSES, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/562,091, filed Jul. 30, 2012, entitledSYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION USING UNIQUEIDENTIFIERS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC ADDRESSES, which claims priorityto and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/513,415, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONUSING UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC ADDRESSES, filed onJul. 29, 2011, the content of each of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entirety for all purposes. This application isa continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/231,760,entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USER INTERACTION BASED ON LICENSE OROTHER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION, filed on Sep. 13, 2011, which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/382,442, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USER INTERACTIONBASED ON LICENSE OR OTHER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION, filed on Sep. 13,2010, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

This application is directed generally to methods and systems forelectronic communication. More particularly, but not exclusively, theapplication relates to systems and apparatuses for electroniccommunication using unique identifiers associated with electronicaddresses.

BACKGROUND

Electronic mail, or “e-mail”, is used to transmit messages overcommunication networks. Existing e-mail client applications enable auser to compose a message to an intended recipient. The message may thenbe sent to the intended recipient by entering the recipient's emailaddress into an address field presented by the e-mail clientapplication.

Unfortunately, however, an individual desiring to send an e-mail messageto, or otherwise electronically communicate with, an intended recipientor recipient(s) may be unaware of the e-mail or other electronicaddress(es) of such recipient(s). Moreover, the e-mail or otherelectronic address of a particular intended recipient may change, whichmay frustrate those desiring to electronically communicate with suchrecipient to the extent they are not apprised of such change.

SUMMARY

In one aspect the disclosure relates to a computer-implemented methodfor facilitating electronic communication using unique identifiers. Themethod includes establishing an electronic repository in which aplurality of unique identifiers is respectively associated with acorresponding plurality of profiles. The method further includesreceiving an electronic message having an address based upon at leastone identifier of the plurality of unique identifiers. It is thendetermined whether the address is of a predefined address formatspecific to the plurality of unique identifiers. The method furtherincludes storing message information included within the electronicmessage in association with a profile included within the plurality ofprofiles wherein the at least one identifier is associated with theprofile. Access to the message information is then facilitated inaccordance with the profile.

In a particular aspect access to the message information may befacilitated by sending a notification relating to the messageinformation consistent with the profile. In another implementation suchaccess may be facilitated by storing the message information in aweb-based stored messaging system. Such access may alternatively befacilitated by sending the message information in an e-mail messageaddressed to an e-mail address included within the profile. In otherimplementation such access may be facilitated by, for example,forwarding the message information to a messaging or social networkingplatform, placing a call to a telephone number included within theprofile, or posting the message information to a web site.

In one implementation the identifier may be associated with multipleelectronic addresses. These multiple electronic addresses may, forexample, be respectively associated with multiple physical addresseswithin an area defined by a zip code. The multiple electronic addressescould also be respectively associated with multiple phone numbersincluded in an area code.

The electronic message having an address based upon the uniqueidentifier may be sent by an electronic device in the form of a terminalor a portable device, such as a cell phone, PDA, user equipment,portable computer, tablet computer, or other device. In oneimplementation the address is manually entered into the device basedupon the unique identifier. Barcode (UPC symbol), QR code, or otherinformation containing or representing the unique identifier may also becaptured by a camera or other sensing element of the user device and theaddress may then subsequently generated based upon the uniqueidentifier.

The electronic message, which may comprise, for example, an e-mailmessage, may be sent to an e-mail server or the equivalent via acellular connection, data connection, or other wired or wireless networkconnection such as a CDMA, GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi (802.11), Wi-Max, and/orother network connection.

Each unique identifier may comprise, for example, a street address, atelephone phone number, an international standard book number (ISBN), aninternational mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), an international mobileequipment identity (IMEI) or mobile equipment identifier (MEI), a globaltrade item number (GTIN), an electronic product code (EPC), a biometricidentifier, an RFID tag, a vehicle identification number (VIN), a patentnumber, a point of sale or transaction identifier, a passport, a libraryof congress control number, a license plate number, an internationalstandard musical work code (ISWC), a global location number, a locationor GPS coordinates, an international product serial number, a brand nameor trademark, an international standard recording code, an electronicserial number, a credit card number, a rewards card, a tracking number,a global release identifier (GRID), a digital object identifier (DOI), atime stamp, a social security number, a driver's license number, aniPhone unique user identifier, a Blackberry Messenger PIN or a racingbib number.

In one embodiment the electronic address (e.g., e-mail address)corresponding to each class of unique identifier is of a predefinedformat. For example, in one implementation the predefined format for anelectronic address based upon a street address isSTREETADDRESS.CITY.STATE@BUMP.COM, the predefined format for anelectronic address based upon a VIN is 123456768901234567@VIN.BUMP.COM,the predefined format for an electronic address based upon a passportnumber is COUNTRY.PASSPORTNUMBER@PASSPORT.BUMP.COM, and so on.

In another aspect the disclosure relates to a computer-implementedmethod for facilitating electronic communication using uniqueidentifiers. The method includes establishing an electronic repositoryin which a plurality of unique identifiers are respectively associatedwith a corresponding plurality of profiles. The method further includesreceiving an electronic message having an address based upon at leastone identifier of the plurality of unique identifiers. The messageinformation included within the electronic message is then stored inassociation with a profile included within the plurality of profileswherein the at least one identifier is associated with the profile. Themethod also includes receiving a request to access to the messageinformation and verifying legitimacy of the request.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a computer-implementedmethod for facilitating electronic communication which includesreceiving message information. The method includes receiving a uniqueidentifier corresponding to an electronic address wherein the uniqueidentifier is formatted consistent with predefined identifier formatincluded among a plurality of predefined identifier formats. The methodfurther includes sending an electronic message to the electronicaddress.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a computer-implementedmethod for facilitating electronic communication which includesreceiving message information. The method includes receiving a uniqueidentifier corresponding to an electronic address wherein the uniqueidentifier is formatted consistent with predefined identifier formatincluded among a plurality of predefined identifier formats. The methodfurther includes sending, to the electronic address, a notificationrelating to the message information.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a computer-implementedmethod for facilitating electronic communication. The method includesreceiving first message information receiving a first unique identifiercorresponding to a first electronic address wherein the first uniqueidentifier is formatted consistent with a first predefined identifierformat. The method further includes receiving second message informationand a second unique identifier corresponding to a second electronicaddress, wherein the second unique identifier is formatted consistentwith a second predefined identifier format. The method also includessending the first message information to the first electronic addressand the second message information to the second electronic address.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a computer program productcomprising a computer-readable medium including codes for causing acomputer to establish, at a server system, an electronic repository inwhich a plurality of unique identifiers are respectively associated witha corresponding plurality of profiles; receive an electronic messagehaving an address based upon at least one identifier of the plurality ofunique identifiers; store message information included within theelectronic message in association with a profile included within theplurality of profiles wherein the at least one identifier is associatedwith the profile; receive a request to access to the messageinformation; and verify legitimacy of the request.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a computer program productcomprising a computer-readable medium including codes for causing acomputer to scan a barcode; determine, from the barcode, a uniqueidentifier corresponding to an electronic address; receive messageinformation; and send an electronic message containing the messageinformation to the electronic address.

Additional aspects, details, features and functions are furtherdescribed below in conjunction with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the nature and objects of variousembodiments of the invention, reference should be made to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in which various embodiments inaccordance with the disclosure may be implemented;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary device configuration for a mobile deviceon which may be implemented various embodiments in accordance with thedisclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary server configuration on which may beimplemented various embodiments in accordance with the disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an exemplary process for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a physical address;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an exemplary process for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a phone number;

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a biometric identifier;

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a brand name;

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a credit card number;

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Digital Object Identifier (DOI);

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a drivers license (DL);

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with an Electronic Product Code (EPC);

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with an Electronic Serial Number (ESN);

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Global Location Number (GLN);

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Global Release Identifier (GRID);

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN);

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Global Positioning System (GPS)coordinate;

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with an International Mobile EquipmentIdentity (IMEI) number;

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with an International Mobile SubscriberIdentity (IMSI) number;

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with an International Product SerialNumber (PSN);

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with an International Standard BookNumber (ISBN);

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with an International Standard MusicNumber (ISMN);

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with an International Standard MusicalWork Code (ISWC);

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with an International Standard RecordingCode (ISRC);

FIG. 24 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Library of Congress ControlNumber (LCCN);

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a License Plate;

FIG. 26 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a specific location/establishment;

FIG. 27 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Media Access Control (MAC)number;

FIG. 28 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Mobile Equipment Identifier(MEI);

FIG. 29 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a passport;

FIG. 30 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a patent number;

FIG. 31 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a physical address;

FIG. 32 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Point Of Sale/Transaction (POS)identifier;

FIG. 33 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a published patent application;

FIG. 34 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) Tag;

FIG. 35 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a rewards card;

FIG. 36 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Social Security Number (SSN);

FIG. 37 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a telephone number;

FIG. 38 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Time Stamp (TS);

FIG. 39 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a tracking number;

FIG. 40 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Trademark Number (TM);

FIG. 41 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a Vehicle Identification Number(VIN);

FIG. 42 shows an exemplary process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a QR Code; and

FIGS. 43A and 43B show another exemplary process for sending messages toone or more electronic addresses associated with a QR Code.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have thesame reference label. Further, various components of the same type maybe distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a secondlabel that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the firstreference label is used in the specification, the description isapplicable to any one of the similar components having the same firstreference label irrespective of the second reference label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, this disclosure describes a method and system forelectronically communicating with a user or users knowing only a uniqueidentifier associated with that user or users. An electronic messagehaving an address based upon the unique identifier and consistent withan assigned convention is sent from a portable or other electronicdevice and received by a server system. The sending device couldcomprise, for example, a computer terminal, a cell phone, a tablet, aniPad, an iPod, a conventional telephone, a facsimile machine, and theequivalent. The message sent may include attachments such as, forexample, pictures, audio and/or video files. The server system includesor is capable of accessing an electronic repository in which a pluralityof unique identifiers are respectively associated with a correspondingplurality of profiles. Upon receipt at the server system, the messageand any attachments are stored in association with a profilecorresponding to the unique identifier. The server system thenfacilitates access to the message information and any attachments inaccordance with the profile. For example, the server system may send themessage information and attachments to one or more e-mail addressesand/or to user accounts maintained by one or more social networkingplatforms. Alternatively or in addition, the server system couldfacilitate access to the message information by providing appropriatenotification to one or more electronic devices or electronic accounts.Following such notification the intended recipient(s) could then eithercheck their respective electronic accounts for communications containingthe message information or otherwise access the message informationthrough a web site or stored message server.

The server system may comprise one or more servers or other computersystems that may be integral or distributed. The server system may beconfigured to provide one or more modules for performing the variousprocesses, methods, stages, steps and/or other functions as furtherdescribed herein, which may be implemented in hardware, software,firmware or combinations of these. The server system may include or beconnected to one or more databases on which application data andinformation, such as, for example, user information, informationrelating to unique identifiers and associated profile information,and/or other information may be stored.

In accordance with one aspect, a user may enter an electronic addresscontaining a unique identifier into an e-mail or other messaging clientexecuting on the user's mobile or other electronic device. Thiselectronic address will preferably be of a predefined format consistentwith the type of unique identifier being utilized. For example, in thecase in which a user is attempting to send a message to a street addressfor receipt by an individual or entity rightfully associated with thestreet address, the predefined format or convention of the electronicaddress could be STREETADDRESS.CITY.STATE@BUMP.COM. In the case in whicha user is attempting to send a message to a VIN for receipt by anindividual or entity rightfully associated with the vehiclecorresponding to the VIN, the predefined format or convention of theelectronic address could be, for example,123456768901234567@VIN.BUMP.COM, where the numerical string“123456768901234567” represents the particular VIN.

In other embodiments an application on a user's mobile device may beconfigured to capture an image, such as an image of a barcode, QR codeor other machine-readable-representation of a unique identifier, andautomatically generate an electronic address corresponding to such aunique identifier. In other embodiments a user's mobile device may beadapted to electronically read the unique identifier using othertechnological means (e.g., using RFID or NFC techniques).

The user could then enter message information and the electronic addressinto, for example, an e-mail client. Alternatively, the applicationcould automatically create an addressed message template (or invoke ane-mail or other messaging client to create such an addressed messagetemplate) and provide the user the opportunity to enter desired messageinformation into the body portion of the addressed message template.

In one embodiment the server system includes a mail server for receivingthe electronic message sent by the portable or other electronic device.The mail server may function as a central repository for receiving allthe electronic messages sent to the fully qualified domain name used inthe electronic address. The server system may also include a web serverconfigured to host a computer readable script for pulling all messagesdirected to the fully qualified domain name mail inbox. A computerreadable script will also generally determine if the message was sentusing a valid unique identifier convention. A computer readable scriptalso separates out the unique identifier and processes the message body.A computer readable script further determines if the message includesany attachments (i.e. audio, picture, video). A computer readable scriptprocesses the attachments. A computer readable script uploads anyattachments to a data storage web server.

A computer readable script determines if there is an existing profile inthe database hosted on a web server. If a profile does not exist in thedatabase matching the unique identifier, then a computer readable scriptcreates a profile in the database. The message information is thenstored in the database and associated to the unique identifier profilein the database. A recipient user claims the message by, for example,electronic certification of being the rightful holder of the uniqueidentifier. A computer readable script can match data of the rightfulholder associated name and the unique identifier to other existing datastored on a web server that further verifies that the recipient user isthe actual rightful holder of the unique identifier.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 1, which illustrates details of asystem 100 in which various embodiments may be implemented. System 100includes a server system comprised of a mail server system 110 and a webserver system 112 communicatively coupled to a network 113. The network113 may be comprised of various data and/or telecommunications networks.The system 100 further includes a sending user device 120 as well asuser devices associated with one or more message recipients, such as afirst recipient user device 130 and a second recipient user device 140.The sending user device 120 may comprise, for example, a mobile device122, personal computer 124, or other device capable of electroniccommunication. Similarly, the first recipient user device 130 maycomprise, for example, a mobile device 132, personal computer 134, orother device capable of electronic communication. Likewise, the secondrecipient user device 140 may comprise, for example, a mobile device142, personal computer 144, or other device capable of electroniccommunication.

In one embodiment the mail server system 110 includes a mail server 114and a central repository 115 designed to hold messages received from asending user device 120. The web server system 112 may include a webserver 118 and associated data storage 119. Various other elements (notshown) may be included in system 100, including multiple other users andtheir associated mobile (or fixed) devices, as well as otherinterconnected systems, such as databases, record storage sites or datawarehouses, or systems associated with other social networking systems.

In operation, the sending user device 120 sends, to the mail server 114,message information targeted to a unique identifier associated with oneor more recipient user devices such as the first recipient user device130 and/or the second recipient user device 140. For example, thesending user device 120 may send, to the mail server 114, an e-mailmessage having an address directed to a specific domain name (e.g.,BUMP.COM, VIN.BUMP.COM, ISBN.BUMP.COM, PATENT.BUMP.COM, RFID.BUMP.COM,GPS.BUMP.COM, etc.) and containing one of the above-referenced uniqueidentifiers. In some implementations, the message information withinsuch an e-mail message may be stored in the central repository 115 untilsuch time as the recipient user device creates an account or otherwiseinteracts with web server system 112, such as by accessing a web pageprovided by or from web server 118.

In one embodiment the web server 118 is configured to host a computerreadable script for pulling from the central repository 115 all messagesdirected to one or more specific domain names. A computer readablescript executed by the web server 118 may also generally determine ifthe message was sent using a valid unique identifier convention. Acomputer readable script running on the web server 118 may also separateout the unique identifier and process the message body. A computerreadable script executed by the web server 118 further determines if themessage includes any attachments (i.e. audio, picture, video). Acomputer readable script processes the attachments and stores themwithin data storage 119.

A computer readable script executed by the web server 118 determines ifan existing profile within data storage 119 is associated with theunique identifier in the message sent by the sending user device 120 andreceived by the mail server 114. If a profile does not exist in thedatabase matching this unique identifier, then a computer readablescript executed by the web server 118 creates a profile in a databasewithin the data storage 119. The message information is then stored inthe database and associated to the unique identifier profile in thedatabase. A recipient user claims the message by, for example,electronic certification of being the rightful holder of the uniqueidentifier. A computer readable script can match data of the rightfulholder associated name and the unique identifier to other existing datastored on a web server that further verifies that the recipient user isthe actual rightful holder of the unique identifier.

FIG. 2 illustrates details of an embodiment of a mobile device 220,which may, for example, correspond to mobile devices 122, 132, 142 asshown in FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, mobile device 220 includesone or more application programs that implement the various mobiledevice functions as further described herein. The application programmay be in the form of a computer readable medium including instructionsfor execution on one or more processors of the mobile device, such asprocessor module 221. The instructions may be stored in a memory 226 ofthe mobile device, and corresponding display and interaction screens maybe presented on display module 224. A transmitter/receiver module 223may be includes to provide connectivity between mobile device 220 and aserver system, such as mail server 114 or web server 118 of FIG. 1. Inaddition, a camera/video module 222 may be included in mobile device120. The application program(s) may use the camera module to captureimages or video, such as images or video of unique identifierinformation (whether in plain text or encoded in a barcode or otherencoded representation). The application programs may further includemodules configured to process the images to generate information suchas, for example, the unique identifier or a blank e-mail messagetemplate addressed to an electronic address corresponding to the uniqueidentifier. Alternately or in addition, this unique identifierinformation may be input by a user as part of an e-mail address or otherelectronic address comporting with a predefined convention.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3, which illustrates details of anembodiment of a server 300, such as mail server 114 or web server 118 ofFIG. 1. Server 300 may include a processor module 311 and associatedprogram modules 316-1 configured to perform the various functions asdescribed further herein. In addition, server 300 may include one ormore display modules 314, and one or more send/receive modulesconfigured to send and/or receive information from users, such as fromthe users' computer systems. In addition, server 300 may include asend/receive module 313 configured to send and/or receive information tomobile devices 122, 132, 142.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment the central repository 115includes a plurality of unique identifiers respectively associated witha corresponding plurality of electronic addresses. Each such electronicaddress may comprise, for example, an electronic mail address (e.g.,AZ.PL8STR@BUMP.COM), an SEO-optimized posting on a website, acomputer-generated URL (e.g., http://bump.com/AZ/PL8STR), an instantmessaging chat address (e.g., Skype®), a phone number associated fordirect call or text message, an associated social networking identity(e.g., Facebook®, MySpace®, Ebay®), or an electronic link to onlineinformation associated with the unique identifier (e.g., an electroniclink to a profile, to other links, to information associated with themake/model/year of a car, to insurance information, to VIN information,or to mechanic information).

The mail server system 110 and web server system 112 may cooperate inorder to facilitate access to message information sent by a sending userdevice 120 to an electronic address embodying a unique identifierassociated with one or more recipient user devices. Such access may befacilitated by, for example, storing and/or forwarding the messageinformation (e.g., text, audio, picture, and/or video) in full or inabbreviated form using one or more of the following approaches:

-   -   1. Storing the message information on a web-based stored        messaging system.    -   2. Forwarding/associating the message information to a recipient        registered email address.    -   3. Forwarding/associating the message information to an instant        messenger platform.    -   4. Forwarding/associating the message information to a text        based messaging platform.    -   5. Forwarding/associating the message information to a telephone        number.    -   6. Forwarding/associating the message information to a social        networking platform.    -   7. Forwarding/associating the message information to an        electronic news feed.    -   8. Forwarding/associating the message information to a        micro-blogging service.    -   9. Forwarding/associating the message information to an        Internet-connected mobile application.    -   10. Posting the message information to a website.    -   11. Printing the message information and forwarding via postal        mail.    -   12. Creating a hyperlink corresponding to that message        information.    -   13. Providing related data corresponding to the unique        identifier; a user is presented with a graphical display on a        website or on a mobile device and/or a phone prompt for audio        ratings.    -   14. Providing the message information to a web-based (or        cloud-based) stored voicemail messaging system.

In one embodiment the profile associated with a particular uniqueidentifier may map the identifier to, or otherwise associate theidentifier with, certain defined regions, segments, areas, area codes.For example, a unique identifier could be associated with all uniquephysical addresses within a select zip code. Similarly, the identifiercould be associated with all unique phone numbers in a select area code.In another example, the identifier could be mapped to a subset of thelicense plate numbers in a given state (e.g., to the alphanumericlicense plate codes assigned to government-owned vehicles, to thelicense plate codes assigned to vehicles within a particular county, orto the license plate codes assigned to taxis or other commercialvehicles).

As an example of a potential application of the messaging infrastructureand methods described herein, consider the case in which a carmanufacturer desires to electronically deliver recall information to acar owner. Using a graphical display on an Internet-connected electronicdevice, the car manufacturer sends a communication access requestrelating to one of the VINs associated with the manufacturer. Thecommunication access request relating to the VIN is received by aserver, such as by the mail server 114. The legitimacy of thecommunication access request may then be validated and electroniccommunication established to an electronic address corresponding to theVIN. In one embodiment both the legitimacy of the communication accessrequest originating from a sending device and a request to access themessage information accompanying the access request are validated. Inother embodiments only a request to access message information sent withrespect to a particular identifier is validated.

In another embodiment the operators of an adventure park (e.g.,LegoLand®) may desire to deliver an electronic coupon in bulk to allphysical addresses in a select zip code range. Using a graphical displayon an Internet-connected electronic device, the operators send acommunication access request relating to all physical addresses in aselect zip code. The communication access request relating to theplurality of physical addresses is received on a network-connectedserver (e.g., mail server 114) is received. The legitimacy of thecommunication access request sent from the Internet-connected deviceand/or a request by a recipient user device associated with a physicaladdress in the select zip code range may then be validated in the mannerdescribed herein. Following such validation a server system (e.g., mailserver 114 and/or web server 118) may then facilitate electroniccommunication of the electronic coupon to the electronic addresscorresponding to the validated physical address.

In another example, a postal Global Location Number could be used as aunique identifier or utilized in connection with a process of verifyingthe corresponding address consistent with the teachings herein.

The teachings herein could also be utilized by a governmental entitydesiring to quickly deliver an alert message to a group of cell phonenumbers. A government agency could, using a graphical display on anInternet-connected electronic device, issue a communication accessrequest relating to a plurality of ESNs (Electronic Serial Numbers). Thecommunication access request relating to the plurality of ESNs isreceived on a network-connected server (e.g., mail server 114) isreceived. The legitimacy of the communication access request sent fromthe Internet-connected device and/or a request by a recipient userdevice associated with one of the plurality of ESNs may then bevalidated in the manner described herein. Following such validation aserver system (e.g., mail server 114 and/or web server 118) may thenfacilitate electronic communication of the alert message to eachvalidated recipient electronic address.

Consider next an example in which the management of a retail storedesires to communicate with persons shopping in their store. In thisexample the retail store would like to deliver a special coupon to eachpatron of the store for which a security camera has captured theirfacial image. In this example facial recognition software is used tocapture the face of each patron thereby creating an associated uniqueidentifier tag. An electronic repository is established in which aplurality of these facial recognition unique identifiers (i.e. numerictemplates) are respectively associated with a plurality of electronicaddresses. The store management could, using a graphical display on anInternet-connected electronic device, issue a communication accessrequest relating to a particular one of the customer faces captured bythe facial recognition software. The communication access request isreceived on a network-connected server (e.g., mail server 114) isreceived and the legitimacy of a request by a recipient user device isvalidated (e.g., by matching against a facial recognition database).Following such validation a server system (e.g., mail server 114 and/orweb server 118) may then facilitate electronic communication to theelectronic address corresponding to the user's face.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 4, which is a flow chart 400representative of a process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a physical address. In a stage 410(FIG. 4A), a sending user sends an electronic message to a physicaladdress using a pre-defined convention of <STREETADDRESS.CITY.STATE>@BUMP.COM. The electronic message is received by amail server acting as a central repository for receiving the electronicmessages sent to the fully qualified domain name (stage 414). A computerreadable script hosted on a web server pulls all messages directed tothe fully qualified domain name mail inbox (stage 418). A computerreadable script determines if the address used in the email message hasa valid <STREET ADDRESS.CITY.STATE> convention (stage 422). A computerreadable script splits the physical address into <STREETADDRESS.CITY.STATE> (stage 426). In a stage 430, a computer readablescript processes the message body and determines if the message has anyattachments (i.e. audio, picture, video). A computer readable scriptthen processes the attachments and uploads any attachments to a datastorage web server (stage 434).

In a stage 438 (FIG. 4B), a computer readable script determines if the<STREET ADDRESS.CITY.STATE> has an existing profile in the databasehosted on a web server. If a profile does not exist in the databasematching the <STREET ADDRESS.CITY.STATE>, then a computer readablescript creates a <STREET ADDRESS.CITY.STATE> profile in the database(stage 442). The electronic message is stored in the database to the<STREET ADDRESS.CITY.STATE> profile (stage 446). In a stage 450, arecipient user claims the message by electronic certification of beingthe rightful holder of the <STREET ADDRESS.CITY.STATE> identifier. Acomputer readable script can match data of the rightful holdersassociated name and address to other existing data stored on a webserver that further verifies that the recipient user is the actualrightful holder of the physical address, such as verifying a pin numberon a pre-mailed physical letter to the physical address. In a stage 454,a recipient user may associate an email address, a phone number, aninstant messaging address to be further notified of new messages andbased on user preferences of receiving those notifications. Access tothe message information is then facilitated by, for example, eithersending an electronic communication containing the message information(e.g., an e-mail message) to a device of the recipient user or bysending such device a notification of the existence of such messageinformation. In the latter case the notification may include, forexample, instructions relating to access to the message informationand/or an electronic link to a network address at which the informationis available.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 5, which is a flow chart 500representative of a process for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a phone number. In a stage 510(FIG. 5A), a sending user sends an electronic message to a physicaladdress using a pre-defined convention of <PHONE NUMBER>@BUMP.COM. Theelectronic message is received by a mail server acting as a centralrepository for receiving the electronic messages sent to the fullyqualified domain name (stage 514). A computer readable script hosted ona web server pulls all messages directed to the fully qualified domainname mail inbox (stage 518). A computer readable script determines ifthe address used in the email message has a valid <PHONE NUMBER>convention (stage 522). A computer readable script splits the addressinto <PHONE NUMBER> (stage 526). In a stage 530, a computer readablescript processes the message body and determines if the message has anyattachments (i.e. audio, picture, video). A computer readable scriptthen processes the attachments and uploads any attachments to a datastorage web server (stage 534).

In a stage 538 (FIG. 5B), a computer readable script determines if the<PHONE NUMBER> has an existing profile in the database hosted on a webserver. If a profile does not exist in the database matching the <PHONENUMBER>, then a computer readable script creates a <PHONE NUMBER>profile in the database (stage 542). The electronic message is stored inthe database to the <PHONE NUMBER> profile (stage 546). In a stage 550,a recipient user claims the message by electronic certification of beingthe rightful holder of the <PHONE NUMBER> identifier. A recipient userclaims the message by electronic certification of being the rightfulholder of the <PHONE NUMBER> identifier. A computer readable script canmatch data of the rightful holders associated name and address to otherexisting data stored on a web server that further verifies that therecipient user is the actual rightful holder of the phone number, suchas verifying a code phoned to the phone number or sent via an SMSmessage.

In a stage 554, a recipient user may associate an email address, a phonenumber, an instant messaging address to be further notified of newmessages and based on user preferences of receiving those notifications.Access to the message information is then facilitated by, for example,either sending an electronic communication containing the messageinformation (e.g., an e-mail message) to a device of the recipient useror by sending such device a notification of the existence of suchmessage information. In the latter case the notification may include,for example, instructions relating to access to the message informationand/or an electronic link to a network address at which the informationis available.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 6, which is a flow chartrepresentative of a process 600-1 for sending messages to one or moreelectronic addresses associated with a biometric identifier. At a stage605-1, a sending user sends an electronic message to a biometricidentifier using a pre-defined convention ofUNIQUENUMERCALID@FACE.BUMP.COM. At stage 610-1, the electronic messageis received by a mail server acting as a central repository forreceiving the electronic messages sent to the fully qualified domainname. Also at stage 610-1, a computer readable script hosted on a webserver pulls all messages directed to the fully qualified domain nameand stores them in a mail inbox. At stage 615-1, a computer readablescript determines if the address used in the email message has a valid<UNIQUENUMERICALID> convention. At stage 620-1, a computer readablescript splits the physical address into <UNIQUENUMERICALID>. At stage625-1, a computer readable script processes the message body in order todetermine if the message has any attachments (i.e. audio, picture,video). At decision block 630-1, if it is determined that the messagehas attachments, the process proceeds to stage 635-1 where a computerreadable script then processes the attachments and uploads anyattachments to a data storage web server. If there are no attachments,the process proceeds to stage 640-1.

At stage 640-1, a computer readable script determines if the<UNIQUENUMERICALID> has an existing profile in the database hosted on aweb server. At decision block 645-1, if it is determined that a profiledoes not exist in the database matching the <UNIQUENUMERICALID>, then acomputer readable script creates a <UNIQUENUMERICALID> profile in thedatabase at stage 650-1, otherwise the process proceeds to stage 655-1.At stage 655-1, a computer readable script stores the electronic messagein the database to the <UNIQUENUMERICALID> profile. At stage 660-1, arecipient user claims the message by electronic certification of beingthe rightful holder of the <UNIQUENUMERICALID> identifier. A computerreadable script can match data of the rightful holder's associated nameand address to other existing data stored on a web server that furtherverifies that the recipient user is the actual rightful holder of thephysical address, such as verifying a pin number on a pre-mailedphysical letter to the physical address. At stage 665-1, a recipientuser may associate an email address, a phone number, an instantmessaging address to be further notified of new messages and based onuser preferences of receiving those notifications. Access to the messageinformation is then facilitated by, for example, either sending anelectronic communication containing the message information (e.g., ane-mail message) to a device of the recipient user or by sending suchdevice a notification of the existence of such message information. Inthe latter case the notification may include, for example, instructionsrelating to access to the message information and/or an electronic linkto a network address at which the information is available.

FIGS. 7-41 are flow charts representative of exemplary processes 600-2through 600-36 for sending messages to electronic addresses associatedwith various different types of unique identifiers. The processes 600-2through 600-36 are basically the same as the process 600-1 in FIG. 6,but using different conventions and identifiers.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary process 600-2 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a brand name.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary process 600-3 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a credit card number.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary process 600-4 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Digital Object Identifier(DOI).

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary process 600-5 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a drivers license (DL).

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary process 600-6 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with an Electronic Product Code(EPC).

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary process 600-7 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with an Electronic Serial Number(ESN).

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary process 600-8 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Global Location Number(GLN).

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary process 600-9 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Global Release Identifier(GRID).

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary process 600-10 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Global Trade Item Number(GTIN).

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary process 600-11 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Global Positioning System(GPS) coordinate. In other embodiments the electronic addresses could beassociated with a specified latitude/longitude/elevation and/or aspecified latitude/longitude/elevation/time rather than with GPScoordinates.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary process 600-12 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with an International MobileEquipment Identity (IMEI) number.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary process 600-13 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with an International MobileSubscriber Identity (IMSI) number.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary process 600-14 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with an International ProductSerial Number (PSN).

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary process 600-15 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with an International Standard BookNumber (ISBN).

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary process 600-16 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with an International StandardMusic Number (ISMN).

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary process 600-17 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with an International StandardMusical Work Code (ISWC).

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary process 600-18 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with an International StandardRecoding Code (ISRC).

FIG. 24 shows an exemplary process 600-19 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Library of Congress ControlNumber (LCCN).

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary process 600-20 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a License Plate.

FIG. 26 shows an exemplary process 600-21 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a specificlocation/establishment.

FIG. 27 shows an exemplary process 600-22 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Media Access Control (MAC)number.

FIG. 28 shows an exemplary process 600-23 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Mobile Equipment Identifier(MEI).

FIG. 29 shows an exemplary process 600-24 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a passport.

FIG. 30 shows an exemplary process 600-25 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a patent number.

FIG. 31 shows an exemplary process 600-26 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a physical address.

FIG. 32 shows an exemplary process 600-27 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Point Of Sale/Transaction(POS) identifier.

FIG. 33 shows an exemplary process 600-28 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a published patentapplication.

FIG. 34 shows an exemplary process 600-29 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID) Tag.

FIG. 35 shows an exemplary process 600-30 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a rewards card.

FIG. 36 shows an exemplary process 600-31 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Social Security Number(SSN).

FIG. 37 shows an exemplary process 600-32 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a telephone number.

FIG. 38 shows an exemplary process 600-33 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Time Stamp (TS).

FIG. 39 shows an exemplary process 600-34 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a tracking number.

FIG. 40 shows an exemplary process 600-35 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Trademark Number (TM).

FIG. 41 shows an exemplary process 600-36 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN).

FIG. 42 shows an exemplary process 700 for sending messages to one ormore electronic addresses associated with a QR Code. At a stage 705, auser scans an image of a QR code or captures the QR code with a QRbarcode reader on a mobile device for the purpose of sending anelectronic message to a receiving user. At stage 710, a computerreadable script compares the unique captured QR code against a centralrepository (e.g., a database hosted on a web server on a communicationnetwork. At a decision block 715, if it is determined that the unique QRCode has a match and already has an associated profile, the processcontinues to stage 730, otherwise the process proceeds to stage 720. Atstage 720, a computer-readable script creates a unique identifierprofile in a database that is associated to the unique QR Code. At stage725, a unique email address convention, qrcodeUID@qrcode.bump.com, isgiven the QR Code unique identifier <qrcodeUID> and is associated to theunique QR Code via a computer readable script.

At stage 730, a computer readable script forwards the electronic messageto the associated email address qrcodeUID@qrcode.bump.com. At stage 735,a mail server acts as a central repository and receives the electronicmessage sent to the fully qualified domain name. At stage 740, acomputer readable script hosted on a web server stores all messagesdirected to the fully qualified domain name in a mail inbox. At stage745, a computer readable script separates out the unique identifier<qrcodeUID> from the email address convention, and processes the messagebody in order to determine if the message has any attachments. At stage750, any identified attachments and the electronic message are stored ina data storage web server in association with the <qrcodeUID> profile.At stage 755, the receiving user claims the message by electroniccertification of being the rightful holder of the QR Code and itsassociated <qrcodeUID>. A computer readable script can, for purposes ofverification, match associated data contained in the QR Code to therightful holder's data. At stage 760, the receiving user may associatean Email address, a phone number or an instant messenger address to befurther notified of new notification messages and, based on userpreferences, to receive those notification messages.

FIGS. 43A-43B comprise a flow chart which illustrate another exemplaryprocess 800 for sending messages to a QR code.

While some specific teaching is included here on methods of bothauthenticating recipients' identities and validating their legitimateassociations with their respective unique identifiers, it is understoodthat use cases of the present invention may include other authenticationand validation techniques known to those skilled in the arts of identityverification, biometrics, information security, and fraud prevention.Moreover, it is understood that such techniques to duly register,authenticate, or validate the identities of correspondents may apply toboth recipients and senders.

In certain embodiments it may be effective to use identifiers that donot necessarily uniquely identify a particular item or device (e.g., amodel number of a product) but which would none the less be useful indetermining message recipients (e.g., identifying a manufacturer of aproduct when reporting a product defect). Additional purposes mayinclude supply chain management optimization, business intelligencecollection, or other economic analysis. Classes of recipients that maybe validated for computer products, for example, may include designatedmanufacturers, distributors, retailers, regulators, support/repairorganizations, recyclers, buyers, brokers, sellers, and, of course,owners.

In other embodiments it may be desired to offer different classes ofcorrespondence for different classes of senders. For example, a charitydesiring to communicate with a physical street address could use theaddress schema of charitymail.streetaddress.city.state@domain and beoffered a particular rate in connection with such communication.Similarly, a current vendor could be offered a different rate, asolicitation offered yet another rate, and so on. This approach may alsoinvolve authentication of sender identity, enforcement of contract termsand/or the leving of a service fee.

The present disclosure also contemplates automated methods of opting inand out of such linkages (such as upon purchase or disposal of anobject) including but not limited to machine to machine communication.Automated discovery and mapping (and removal) of unique identifiers toprofile, such as at point of sale or using a smart phone camera or audioapplication to capture unique identifiers.

In addition, the teachings herein may be combined with all availablemethods of preventing illegitimate parties from hacking or compromisingthe integrity and privacy of the communication described herein.

It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in awide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or bothbeing disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachingsherein one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosedherein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and thattwo or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways. Forexample, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practicedusing any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such anapparatus may be implemented or such a method may be practiced usingother structure, functionality, or structure and functionality inaddition to or other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.Furthermore, an aspect may comprise at least one element of a claim.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions, methods andprocesses described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware,or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionsmay be stored on or encoded as one or more instructions or code on acomputer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computerstorage media. Storage media may be any available media that can beaccessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, suchcomputer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desiredprogram code in the form of instructions or data structures and that canbe accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includescompact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc(DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce datamagnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or stagesin the processes and methods disclosed are examples of exemplaryapproaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that thespecific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearrangedwhile remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Theaccompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in asample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order orhierarchy presented.

Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signalsmay be represented using any of a variety of different technologies andtechniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information,signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout theabove description may be represented by voltages, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields orparticles, or any combination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented aselectronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Toclearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the describedfunctionality in varying ways for each particular application, but suchimplementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing adeparture from the scope of the disclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

The steps or stages of a method, process or algorithm described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodieddirectly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, orin a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage mediumknown in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to theprocessor such that the processor can read information from, and writeinformation to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storagemedium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storagemedium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. Inthe alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside asdiscrete components in a user terminal.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein,but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of theclaims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intendedto mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather“one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some”refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of” a list ofitems refers to any combination of those items, including singlemembers. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended tocover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c.

The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enableany person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure.Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other aspects without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited tothe aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

We claim:
 1. A computer-implemented method for facilitating electroniccommunication using unique identifiers, the method comprising:establishing an electronic repository in which a plurality of uniqueidentifiers are respectively associated with a corresponding pluralityof profiles; receiving an electronic message having an address basedupon at least one identifier of the plurality of unique identifiers;determining the address is of a predefined address format specific tothe plurality of unique identifiers; storing message informationincluded within the electronic message in association with a profileincluded within the plurality of profiles wherein the at least oneidentifier is associated with the profile; and facilitating access tothe message information in accordance with the profile.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes sending a notificationrelating to the message information consistent with the profile.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes storing themessage information in a web-based stored messaging system.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes sending themessage information in an e-mail message addressed to an e-mail addressincluded within the profile.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein thefacilitating access includes forwarding the message information to amessaging platform.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitatingaccess includes placing a call to a telephone number included within theprofile.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the call includes anotification relating to the existence of the message information. 8.The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includesforwarding the message information to a social networking platform. 9.The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes postingthe message information to a web site.
 10. The method of claim 1 whereinthe at least one identifier is associated with multiple electronicaddresses.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the multiple electronicaddresses are respectively associated with multiple physical addresseswithin an area defined by a zip code.
 12. The method of claim 10 whereinthe multiple electronic addresses are respectively associated withmultiple phone numbers included in an area code.
 13. The method of claim1 further including determining that the electronic message includes atleast one attachment and storing the at least one attachment separatelyfrom the message information.
 14. The method of claim 13 furtherincluding facilitating access to the at least one attachment.
 15. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes receiving arequest to access the message information and verifying legitimacy ofthe request.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the verifying legitimacyincludes verifying that a receiver of the request is rightfullyassociated with the at least one identifier.
 17. The method of claim 1wherein the electronic message is generated by a mobile device basedupon barcode information accessible to the mobile device, the barcodeinformation incorporating the at least one identifier.
 18. Acomputer-implemented method for facilitating electronic communicationusing unique identifiers, the method comprising: establishing anelectronic repository in which a plurality of unique identifiers arerespectively associated with a corresponding plurality of profiles;receiving an electronic message having an address based upon at leastone identifier of the plurality of unique identifiers; storing messageinformation included within the electronic message in association with aprofile included within the plurality of profiles wherein the at leastone identifier is associated with the profile; and receiving a requestto access to the message information; and verifying legitimacy of therequest.
 19. The method of claim 18 further including determining theaddress is of a predefined address format specific to the plurality ofunique identifiers.
 20. A computer-implemented method for facilitatingelectronic communication, comprising: receiving message information;receiving a unique identifier corresponding to an electronic addresswherein the unique identifier is formatted consistent with predefinedidentifier format included among a plurality of predefined identifierformats; and sending an electronic message to the electronic address.